Better Builder Podcast

• Coastal Town Builder: Winning Mentality, Hiring Slow & Life Outside of Building | Matt Saathof #50

  Send us a textMatt Saathof leads Totara Construction, a family-owned Tauranga-based company inspired by the enduring strength and integrity of the Totara tree. Since 2016, Totara Construction has been dedicated to providing a personable and lasting approach to building, emphasizing excellent design without excessive expense. They are known for their commitment to working closely with clients and architects to create beautiful and functional homes.In this episode, we sat down with Matt to discuss his journey building Totara Construction, the importance of teamwork, the lessons learned from growing up in a rural environment, and the strategies for building momentum in a competitive industry. We also delve into his experiences working overseas, the challenges and rewards of slow growth, the critical aspects of team building, and his philosophy on hiring and managing talent – 'hire slow, fire fast.' Matt also shares his insights on cultivating a positive work culture and the importance of balancing professional success with making time for family. Social Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcast Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcast Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudio LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcast Linktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcast Better Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects. Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisser Gro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agency Gro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vsl DisclaimerThis podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any inform...

  --------  

  1:12:04
• Building Apprentice: War Stories, Dating Apps & Making it as a Builder  | Caitlin Wilson BBA #06

  Send us a textWelcome back to Better Builder Apprentice! In our sixth monthly bonus episode, we're joined by Caitlin, a powerhouse fourth-year apprentice who's practically breathing down the neck of qualification – just 99% to go! We're diving deep into the realities of apprenticeship, exploring the exciting career avenues that open up after qualifying, and pinpointing the common pitfalls that apprentices should absolutely avoid.Caitlin generously shares her insights on how companies and employers can truly champion their apprentices, fostering a supportive and productive learning environment. But it's not all hard hats and hammers! We're also getting real about the 'war stories' that come with life on the construction sites. Social Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcast Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcast Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudio LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcast Linktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcast Better Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects. Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisser Gro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agency Gro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vsl DisclaimerThis podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any inform...

  --------  

  53:07
• The Block Builder: Losing Over $100k, Family Business Dynamics & Building Back Better | Mel Riley #49

  Send us a textMel Riley, alongside his brother Justin, founded DC Build, a residential construction company known for translating architectural visions into reality with exceptional craftsmanship. Led by a team of Master Builders and experienced project managers, DC Build, established in 2014, focuses on creating homes that bring pride to owners, architects, and the construction team alike. After leading large commercial projects, Mel and Justin returned to their passion for crafting high-quality residential builds.In this episode, we sat down with Mel to discuss his journey building DC Build, the challenges of working with family, the lessons learned from significant financial setbacks, the importance of meticulously checking contracts, and the insights gained from appearing on The Block NZ. We also delve into the necessity of having hard conversations, trusting your gut instincts, the impact of business mentorship, breaking negative momentum, and the power of effective goal setting, all contributing to building a lasting legacy. Social Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcast Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcast Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudio LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcast Linktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcast Better Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects. Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisser Gro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agency Gro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vsl DisclaimerThis podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any inform...

  --------  

  1:01:23
• Deloitte Fast 50 Builder: Sports Psychologist, Systems & Starting As A Pub Owner | Dave Bulling #48

  Send us a textDave Bulling leads Cook Brothers Construction, a national commercial construction powerhouse specialising in diverse and complex projects. They are recognised for their commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and a unique approach to business. Beginning with a $1.5 million apartment conversion in Dunedin, managed from their early "Tree Hut" office, Cook Brothers has achieved significant growth, including three appearances on Deloitte's Fast 50 list. Originally starting with humble beginnings, they have expanded into a national force, focusing on efficient systems and client delivery.In this episode, we sat down with Dave to discuss his journey from early entrepreneurial ventures to leading a national construction firm, the challenges they faced on their initial projects, the importance of implementing robust systems early on, and their innovative approach to incorporating a sports physiologist into their business structure. Social Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcast Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcast Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudio LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcast Linktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcast Better Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects. Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisser Gro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agency Gro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vsl DisclaimerThis podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any inform...

  --------  

  1:05:33
• Modular Builder: Winning More Business, Solving Transport Nightmares & Running Lean | Isaac Lindesay #47

  Send us a textIaac Lindesay is the driving force behind Make Space Build, a company redefining modular construction in some of the most remote and challenging locations across New Zealand. From compact one-bedroom homes to expansive off-grid retreats, Make Space Build delivers high-quality, bespoke solutions with a sharp focus on efficiency, cost control, and innovative design.In this episode, we sit down with Isaac to explore the highs and lows of running a lean construction operation, the realities of building in rugged, hard-to-reach environments, and what it takes to stay ahead in a fast-evolving industry. We also dive into the tough lessons of business—sometimes you win, sometimes you lose—and how adaptability is key to long-term success.If you're interested in smart, scalable building solutions and what it takes to thrive in New Zealand’s most challenging landscapes, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Social Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcast Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcast Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudio LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcast Linktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcast Better Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects. Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisser Gro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agency Gro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vsl DisclaimerThis podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any inform...

  --------  

  1:17:35

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About Better Builder Podcast